Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision that marks a significant shift in the landscape of South African cricket. Prior to this announcement, van der Dussen was seen as a key player for the Proteas, having made his international debut in 2018 against Zimbabwe at the age of 29. His contributions to the team included 71 One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he scored 2,657 runs at an impressive average of 50.13.

The decisive moment came on April 2, 2026, when van der Dussen made his retirement public. His last appearance for South Africa was in August 2025 during a T20I against Australia, and he had previously played in the Champions Trophy against New Zealand. His career statistics reflect a solid performance across formats: 18 Tests with 905 runs, 57 T20Is with 1,406 runs, and a peak ICC ranking of No. 2 in ODI cricket in 2023.

The immediate effects of his retirement are profound for both van der Dussen and the South African cricket team. As a player who captained South Africa in one ODI and participated in two ODI World Cups, his absence will be felt. Van der Dussen expressed his sentiments, stating, “It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from International Cricket.” He acknowledged the dedication required to wear the Proteas jersey, emphasizing the sacrifices made throughout his career.

Experts in the cricketing community have noted that van der Dussen’s retirement comes at a time when South Africa is looking to rebuild its squad for future competitions. His experience and leadership qualities will be missed, particularly as the team prepares for upcoming international challenges. Van der Dussen will remain active in domestic cricket and mentoring, having signed up to play for JB Bruges in the EUT20 Belgium league.

Reflecting on his journey, van der Dussen remarked, “This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment.” His contributions to the team and the sport have left a lasting legacy, and he expressed gratitude to his wife, Lara, for her unwavering support throughout his career.

As South Africa navigates this transition, the focus will be on identifying new talent to fill the void left by van der Dussen. His retirement signifies not just the end of an era for him personally, but also a pivotal moment for the Proteas as they look to the future.

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Mohammed Shami has been out of the Indian team for over a year despite good performances in domestic cricket. The last time he represented India was on March 9, 2025, and since then, he has been a notable absence from the national squad.

In the ongoing 2025-26 domestic season, Shami has picked up an impressive 67 wickets, showcasing his skills and fitness. However, he has not been selected for the Indian team, raising questions about the reasons behind his exclusion.

Currently, Shami is playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 season. His previous stint in the IPL was less successful, as he managed only six wickets in nine matches. Despite this, he was a Purple Cap winner in 2023, highlighting his potential and past performance.

Shami was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction, indicating that franchises still see value in his abilities as a bowler. However, his recent form in the IPL has not matched expectations, leading to his continued absence from the national team.

In response to questions about his future, Shami has expressed that he will consider retirement only when he feels bored or lazy. “When I get tired, I will call it a day. But I am not even thinking of retirement right now because such thoughts pull you down,” he stated.

He further added, “I’ll leave cricket the day I wake up and decide to get bored.” This indicates his commitment to the sport and his determination to perform at his best.

Shami has also emphasized his dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities as a bowler, stating, “As a bowler, I will give my 100 per cent. I’ll perform my responsibilities and try to meet the expectations set for me.” His positive outlook suggests that he is focused on his current role in the IPL.

Despite his strong domestic performance, the reasons for Shami’s exclusion from the Indian team remain unclear. Observers are left wondering if he will be recalled to the national team in the future.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the selection process and criteria that have led to Shami’s ongoing absence from international cricket.

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